Violent video games linked to risk of crime, alcohol abuse

A US study reports violent video games glorifying antisocial characters could increase teenage gamer’s risk of criminal and other risky behavior like smoking and alcohol use. These adult rated games also affect teens self-image.

A previous Dartmouth study published in 2012 had already found that such video games could incite teens to drive carelessly. Other studies have linked violent videogames to adolescent aggressiveness and violence. In

fact, youths who play these types of video games may identify themselves with the antisocial protagonists they feature.

But this latest study is important because it is the first to suggest that possible effects of violent videogames go well beyond violence to apply to substance use, risky driving, and risk-taking sexual behavior.